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FILE PHOTO: Cannon sit on Henry Hill at the battlefields of Manassas, or Bull Run, as it was generally known in the North in Virginia. It was the scene of two major Civil War battles between the armies of the North and South in 1861 and 1862. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Officials in Manassas, Virginia, say they are canceling an upcoming Civil War Weekend due to safety concerns. The event had been planned for later this month.

"Recent events have ignited passions in this country surrounding the Civil War and the symbols representing it. The City of Manassas is saddened by these events and abhors the violence happening around the country," according to a statement from the city's communications manager Friday.

The statement went on to say Manassas doesn't want to "further exacerbate the situation."

The city's Civil War Weekend had been scheduled to be held Aug. 25-27. Officials have called off the event "for the safety of our residents, visitors and reenactors," the statement said.